Name: Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces Italian sausage; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, or more to taste); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan; 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed; Salt & pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5 from 17 reviews

There are few comfort foods as hearty, creamy, and downright irresistible as Italian Sausage Orzo. With its perfectly spiced sausage, tender pasta, and a swirl of velvety cream all nestled together in a single pot, this dish is pure weeknight magic. Each bite delivers savory Italian flavor and a burst of color from fresh spinach, all balanced by a sprinkle of parmesan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, Italian Sausage Orzo is the kind of meal that earns rave reviews and zero leftovers every single time!

Italian Sausage Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of humble staples can create such rich, memorable flavors! Each ingredient pulls its weight, bringing something special to this easy, crowd-pleasing Italian Sausage Orzo.

Italian sausage: The heart of the dish, providing a bold, savory flavor; choose sweet or spicy depending on your crowd.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the orzo.
Garlic: Brings signature warmth and aroma; fresh garlic makes a big difference here.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but a pinch elevates the dish with just the right hint of heat.
Orzo pasta: Compact and tender, orzo transforms into tiny pearls of joy as it absorbs all the goodness in the pan.
Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with flavor while keeping everything luscious and moist.
Heavy/whipping cream: The reason the sauce is so silky, dreamy, and utterly spoonable.
Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness, richness, and a gorgeous finish—always opt for freshly grated, if you can!
Fresh baby spinach: Pops in color, and sneaks in some veggie goodness without overpowering everything else.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—taste as you go!

How to Make Italian Sausage Orzo

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by grabbing your favorite soup pot or Dutch oven, and toss in the sausage. Breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks over medium-high heat, let it sizzle for about five minutes. You’re aiming for golden, aromatic bits that will infuse the entire dish with classic Italian flavor. This first step lays the foundation—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

With the sausage halfway browned, it’s time to stir in the chopped onion. Keep everything moving around the pot as you cook for another five minutes. The onion will soften, soaking up those gorgeous sausage drippings, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. This is where things really start to come together!

Step 3: Toast Garlic, Red Pepper, and Orzo

Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), and uncooked orzo right into the pot. Stir for about thirty seconds—just enough for the garlic to become fragrant and the orzo to start toasting. This quick step wakes up the aromatics and lays an irresistible, toasty base for your Italian Sausage Orzo.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and give everything a gentle stir. Once the liquid begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for ten minutes, stirring often so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. The pasta will absorb the creamy broth, thickening the sauce and binding all those flavors together in the most luxurious way.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Parmesan

Take your pot off the heat, then stir in the fresh spinach and parmesan cheese. Cover the pot and let it sit for three to five minutes—the spinach will wilt beautifully and the sauce will thicken up to perfection. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. That’s it: your Italian Sausage Orzo is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Orzo

Garnishes

For an unforgettable finish, sprinkle extra parmesan or a few red pepper flakes on each serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scatter of freshly chopped basil brings even more aroma and color to the plate, making your Italian Sausage Orzo look as sensational as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Italian Sausage Orzo with rustic bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. A handful of roasted veggies on the side never goes amiss either—zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus play especially well with the creamy, cozy flavors in this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Italian Sausage Orzo family-style in a big, colorful bowl for the ultimate comfort-food moment, or ladle it into smaller ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter. It’s also fantastic spooned into hollowed-out roasted peppers or tomatoes for a playful twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Italian Sausage Orzo cool to room temperature before popping it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—just note that the orzo will continue to absorb the sauce, so it might thicken a bit more.

Freezing

While the texture can change a bit due to the creamy sauce, Italian Sausage Orzo can be frozen in single-serve portions. Just be sure to cool it completely and use freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce, then warm it over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir gently to keep the sauce creamy and to redistribute all the flavors. Add fresh parmesan or spinach to perk it up even more!

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will bring a lighter, slightly different flavor profile to your Italian Sausage Orzo, but it’s a delicious substitute—especially if you’re looking for a slightly leaner option.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’d prefer something lighter, half-and-half can work in place of heavy cream, though your sauce may be a bit less rich and thick. Some folks even use evaporated milk as a creative swap—just know the final result won’t be quite as luscious.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking to the pot?

Be sure to stir the Italian Sausage Orzo frequently as it simmers, especially during the first few minutes of adding the pasta. Keeping the heat gentle and using a heavy-bottomed pot also helps prevent sticking or burning.

Can I add other vegetables?

Totally! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, kale, peas, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Just add heartier veggies when you cook the onions, or more delicate ones (like peas) with the spinach at the end.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free orzo?

Yes! As long as you select a gluten-free orzo (many stores carry it these days), you can enjoy Italian Sausage Orzo even on a gluten-free diet. Double-check that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free, just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and feels like a warm hug at the table, you simply have to try Italian Sausage Orzo. It’s a weeknight winner that’s guaranteed to please everyone who digs in. Enjoy every last cheesy, creamy bite!